Summary of this article
Genetic analysis (ancestry analysis) to determine one's roots is a scientific method of analyzing an individual's DNA to determine the origins and roots of his or her ancestors. This analysis allows you to determine which region or group you originate from and how your family or ethnic history was formed.
How much can genetic analysis tell us?
Through genetic analysis, it is possible to obtain the following information
- Geographic origin of your ancestors:
Genetic analysis reflects thousands of years of human migration and admixture. The results of the analysis indicate the geographic region from which your ancestors originated, for example, “East Asia,” “Western Europe,” or “Middle East,” as well as the distribution of your ancestors as a percentage. - Association with an ethnic group or population:
Your genes have characteristics that are associated with a particular ethnic or genetic group. Based on these genetic characteristics, genetic analysis reveals which ethnic or population group you are most closely related to. For example, we can determine which regional groups our ancestors belonged to, such as Scandinavian or South Asian. - Finding distant relatives:
You can find relatives and distant blood relatives by looking for matches with others using the same genetic analysis service. This allows you to expand your family tree and discover connections to relatives you did not know existed. - Maternal and paternal roots (haplogroup analysis):
Genetic analysis can examine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) transmitted only from the mother and Y-chromosome DNA transmitted only from the father to the son, thereby it can identify where the paternal or maternal roots are located. This allows you to determine to which region or group your maternal and paternal ancestors belonged, going back thousands of years. - Relatedness to Ancient Humans:
Recent genetic analysis techniques allow us to compare the DNA of modern humans with that of ancient humans to determine their relatedness to ancient human populations. For example, genetic relatedness to extinct human populations, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans, may be demonstrated.
Methods of genetic analysis
There are several different methods of genetic analysis, each providing different information.
Autosomal DNA Test
- Purpose: Provides information about ancestors over the past several hundred to one thousand years based on genetic information inherited from both parents.
- Features: shows the regional distribution of ancestors and their relationship to specific ethnic groups in %. You can also find your relatives by comparing them with other users of the same service.
- Usage: This test is very useful if you want to know the geographic distribution of your ancestors.
Y-chromosome DNA test (Y-DNA Test)
- Purpose: To trace paternal ancestry by analyzing the Y chromosome, which is carried exclusively by males; since the Y chromosome is passed from father to son and changes little, it can be used to identify paternal roots that span thousands of years.
- Features: Y-chromosome analysis identifies your paternal haplogroup (ancestral group) and the region from which that group came.
- Usage: This is useful for men who want to know their paternal history. Since women are not allowed to take this test, a male relative can request it.
3. mitochondrial DNA test (mtDNA Test)
- Purpose: Identifies maternal ancestry by analyzing mitochondrial DNA passed from mother to child. Both men and women can be tested, and the maternal roots can be traced back thousands of years.
- Characteristics: Mitochondrial DNA variation is minimal, allowing us to determine the origin of maternal ancestry and haplogroups.
- Usage: Suitable if you want to know from which region your maternal ancestors came.
4. SNP Analysis（Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis）
- Purpose: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a gene are analyzed to determine the genetic background of an ancestor in detail. This technique is applied to all autosomal, Y-chromosomal, and mitochondrial DNA.
- Features: allows you to examine minute genetic differences between individuals and obtain detailed information on ancestral roots and ethnic groups.
- Usage: Suitable for those who wish to obtain more precise genetic information or combine multiple methods for detailed analysis.
5. Haplogroup Analysis
- Purpose: Haplogroups represent genetic lineages belonging to a specific ancestral population; the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA can be used to identify which haplogroups they belong to, thereby revealing the migration pathways and origins of the ancestors.
- Features: Knowing your haplogroup allows you to trace the migration patterns of your ancestors over thousands of years and to learn about your geographic and historical roots.
The process of genetic analysis
- DNA Sample Collection:
We need your DNA sample for genetic analysis. Usually, oral cells (rubbed with a cotton swab on the inside of your cheek) or saliva are collected and sent to a genetic analysis laboratory. The collection is simple and painless and can be done at home. - DNA Analysis:
Submitted samples are analyzed by specialized genetic testing laboratories. Analysis takes several weeks and results are often available online. - Results courtesy of:
Analysis results show your genetic background in maps, graphs, and percentages. It shows where your ancestors came from, related ethnicities and groups, and matches with relatives.
まとめ
遺伝子解析による祖先解析では、あなたの祖先の地理的なルーツ、民族との関連、母系・父系の起源などを詳しく知ることができます。常染色体DNA検査、Y染色体DNA検査、ミトコンドリアDNA検査といったさまざまな手法を組み合わせることで、数百年から数千年にわたる家系の歴史を深く理解することが可能です。
Latest Articles
Supervisor of the article
Dr. Hiroshi Oka
Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine
Medical Doctor
